i gave my ex 35 linden trees as a parting gift when we broke up

@theburnouts

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Why it worked

The story is relatable and humorous, playing on themes of revenge, regret, and dramatic breakups. The specific, unusual detail of the trees makes the story memorable and shareable.

Summary

Chelsea Handler recounts a humorous and dramatic story about giving her ex-boyfriend 35 linden trees as a parting gift, which he now texts her about years later. The story highlights her desire to make him regret the breakup by leaving him with a constant reminder of what he lost.

Structure

1The parting gift of 35 linden trees
2The reason: to make him miss her
3The trees lining his driveway
4His current texts asking her to come back
5Her firm refusal after 15 years

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On-screen text

i gave my ex 35 linden trees as a parting gift when we broke up what do you mean? i wanted him to know exactly what he was missing. he had this estate in upstate New York... the trees lined his driveway on both sides i knew they'd be gorgeous every season... now, every spring and every fall... he texts me, “look at your trees. please come back.” and i always say, “i’ll never be back.” it’s been 15 years!